Cuitlacoche (wheet-lah-KOH-chay) also called Corn Smut, Maize Mushroom, this gourmet rage is actually a Bulbous Fungus (technically known as Ustilago Maydis) that attacks ears of corn and makes the kernels swell to 10 times their normal size. The Corn's color turns an ugly medium-to dark-gray verging on black. Although most U.S. farmers consider it a plague and destroy infected ears, the Aztecs are said to have prized Cuitlacoche (in Nahuatl, Cuitlatl means "excrement," Cochi means "Black"). Enthusiasts say that Cuitlacoche has a smoky-sweet flavor that is a cross between that of Corn and Mushroom. Cuitlacoche is currently being cultivated in limited quantities in California, Florida, Georgia and Virginia.

Cuitlacoche is used in a variety of dishes including sautees, soups, casseroles - in general, any preparation where cooked mushrooms would be appropriate.

If you find this on grilled corn in the SW, you're eating some private stock. This canned version is like pasteurized caviar or canned hummus. The intent is right; the result, not so much. This augment will darken whatever you're adorning so take care. A little high on the salt and vinegar and liquid but the mushroom background is there.